Welcome to the VP Finance & Operations portfolio


We are responsible for the stewardship of UBC’s physical and financial assets, as well as safety, risk management, and assurance across our university community.

The Vice-President Finance & Operations (VPFO) portfolio provides strategic stewardship of UBC’s physical and financial assets, and leads safety, risk management, and assurance across the university. Guided by the values of innovation, unity, and accountability in the VPFO Strategic Plan and in alignment with the UBC Strategic Plan, the portfolio oversees a budget of over $4 billion, and all facilities across UBC Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. The portfolio also manages key relationships with UBC Investment Management and UBC Properties Trust and is responsible for strategic development and management of UBC’s real estate assets to support the long-term benefit of the university community. 

VPFO Strategic Plan 2024–2027

Having a strategic plan gives us a clear path, keeping everyone on the same page. Learn more about where we’re going next and how we plan to get there.

News from the VPFO

  • UBC supplier tax forms for 2024

    UBC mails out a copy of the tax forms (T4A and T5) every year by early February. Suppliers can also download tax forms directly from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website.

    Read more: UBC supplier tax forms for 2024
  • Masks required in health care facilities

    As of January 6, medical mask-wearing is required in all health care facilities in British Columbia where active patient care is being provided. 

    Read more: Masks required in health care facilities
  • HSBC Global Disbursements transitions to RBC International Pay

    As part of the HSBC-RBC transition, UBC is transitioning to RBC’s International Pay on January 17, 2025.  Please note there is a difference in the level of supported currencies between RBC’s International Pay and the previous platform HSBC Global Disbursement.

    Read more: HSBC Global Disbursements transitions to RBC International Pay
  • Find the room you need with the new Find a Space tool!

    The updated Find a Space tool on the Learning Spaces website is now live and ready for use! This upgraded tool provides advanced search options for buildings, classrooms, and spaces related to teaching and learning.

    Read more: Find the room you need with the new Find a Space tool!
  • UBC Alert testing on January 17 — are you in the loop?

    UBC Alert will be sending out a test notification to UBC Vancouver and Okanagan students, faculty, and staff via a phone call and text message on Friday, January 17, 2025. Make sure your mobile number is up to date on Workday.

    Read more: UBC Alert testing on January 17 — are you in the loop?

People of the VPFO

  • Anna Panzo joins as Assistant Manager, Capital Planning & Development

    We are pleased to welcome Anna Panzo as the new Assistant Manager, Capital Planning & Development in Facilities, effective August 3, 2026. Anna brings a thoughtful, systems‑oriented approach to her work, with experience building operational infrastructure, managing complex workflows, and…

    Read more: Anna Panzo joins as Assistant Manager, Capital Planning & Development
  • Alison Mitchell joins as Financial Analyst, Financial Reporting team

    We are pleased to welcome Alison Mitchell to the Financial Reporting team as a Financial Analyst, starting July 20. Alison brings several years of experience in financial statement analysis, internal controls, and audit, including over four years with MNP, where…

    Read more: Alison Mitchell joins as Financial Analyst, Financial Reporting team
  • David Sandoe joins as Senior HR Manager, VPFO

    We are pleased to welcome David Sandoe as the new Senior HR Manager, VPFO, effective July 27, 2026. David brings nearly nine years of human resources leadership experience from the VP Students portfolio, where he developed strong, trusted relationships with…

    Read more: David Sandoe joins as Senior HR Manager, VPFO
  • Angela Ruggles joins as Executive Assistant to the VPFO

    Angela Ruggles will be joining the VPFO portfolio as Executive Assistant to the VP Finance & Operations on Tuesday, May 5. Angela will provide direct support to Frank Laezza, Vice-President, Finance & Operations.

    Read more: Angela Ruggles joins as Executive Assistant to the VPFO
  • Cassandra Torres and Mariyam Syed steps into new roles

    We are beyond pleased to share that Cassandra Torres and Mariyam Syed will be stepping into a new roles effective April 20.

    Read more: Cassandra Torres and Mariyam Syed steps into new roles